SF Symphony Oboist Hospitalized After Collapsing Mid-Performance

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 31: Atmosphere at the 6th Annual Crunchies Awards at Davies Symphony Hall on January 31, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images for The Crunchies)

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – A longtime oboist with the San Francisco Symphony remains hospitalized today after collapsing on stage Saturday night during a performance at Davies Symphony Hall, a symphony spokesman said.

William Bennett, 56, the principal oboist, was performing Richard Strauss’ Oboe Concerto during an 8 p.m. performance at the hall, when he fell to the stage, spokesman Oliver Theil said. The show was stopped and he was taken to a hospital, where it was determined that he had suffered a brain hemorrhage, Theil said. He was still at the hospital this morning and was listed in guarded condition, according to Theil.

“We all think the world of Bill, and our thoughts and best wishes are with him and his family,” Theil said.

Bennett has been a member of the symphony since 1979 and has been the principal oboist since 1987.

There has been an outpouring of support for Bennett over social media, including by the New York Philharmonic, which sent well wishes in a tweet this morning.

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